Franchise Players Leave The Team

Wayne Gretzky played for the Edmonton Oilers from 1979-1988, winning four Stanley Cups with the team.

He was traded in a blockbuster deal to the Los Angles Kings in 1988. He played for the Kings until 1996, leading the team to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1993.

Gretzky again gained franchise player status rejoining Mark Messier as a member of the New York Rangers in 1996 until his retirement in 1999. The Rangers advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals in 1997.

1995 was a forgettable year in the Great One's career when he was a member of the St. Louis Blues. The Blues came within one game of the Eastern Conference Finals but Gretzky was criticized by coach Mike Keenan and never seemed to gel with right-winger Brett Hull.